World COPD Day: Know Your Lung Function. Lung function is not only a predictor of lung health, but overall health.

In support of World COPD Day on November 20, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is highlighting the importance of measuring lung function - also known as spirometry - with the theme ‘Know Your Lung Function’.  

 

Although spirometry is an essential tool for diagnosing COPD, it is also a marker of health throughout life. Our lungs grow from the womb all the way through young adulthood. Throughout this period we are vulnerable to stressors like air pollution and respiratory infections that can impede lung growth and increase our risk for developing chronic lung disease later in life. Unfortunately, much lung function can be lost before we develop symptoms.